Useless Everyday Products to Stop Wasting Money On

Note – This post is part of a sponsored campaign with Radius Bank. All opinions are 100% my own.

Even when you think you have no room left in your budget to cut expenses, you might be surprised by how many things you’re still needlessly spending money on when there are cheaper or even free alternatives available. Spending money on needs and wants is a psychologically rewarding activity, which is why it’s so easy for us to overlook areas where we could/should rein in our spending, but if you want to accomplish your financial goals then wasteful spending areas are the best places to make some progress and stop wasting money.

Things You Are Needlessly Wasting Money On

Bank Account Fees

Here is something you might not even realize you’re paying for: monthly “account maintenance” fees from your bank. They’re usually so small (a couple dollars) that you might not even notice you’re getting charged unless you thoroughly examine your bank statement each month. However, paying $5 per month for something you can get for free through an online bank adds up over time.

But, you can find banks with checking accounts that have no minimum balance requirements and a better than average interest rate to help you even earn money on your savings. According to the FDIC, the average interest rate for a checking account is 0.04% APY. But, with a Radius Hybrid Checking account, for example, you can earn 12x that with an interest rate of 0.85%. There is a requirement to have a $2,500 balance with Radius Bank though. So, keep that in mind.

Why pay a few dollars each month for a savings account that brings in a pitiful 0.04% interest when you can get an interest checking account from a web-based bank like Radius Bank with 0.85% annual interest, no maintenance fees, free ATMs worldwide, free checks (if you still use checks that is), and a lot of other perks.

Stop wasting your money on bank maintenance fees and switch to a bank or credit union that will save you money and give you more bang for your buck. You might be surprised at what the savings and extra earnings an online bank, like Radius Bank, can provide.

Bottled Water

Did you know that over 100 million plastic bottles are used daily around the world, and only 1 in 5 of those bottles are typically recycled? Aside from the enormous environmental impacts, buying bottled water instead of drinking tap water – or using an affordable water filter you can attach to your sink faucet or a carbonated water machine – really adds up over time because you as the consumer are not just paying for water.

You’re paying for the manufacturing costs of producing the lid and plastic bottle as well. To save money, simply invest in a water filter for less than $50, which you can then keep in a reusable water bottle for all day, fresh drinking water.

Identity Theft Protection Services

Some companies offer “identity theft protection” services for $100 or so per year. While this seems like a great deal for anyone who wants to avoid ID theft or financial fraud linked to their accounts, you can do most of the safeguarding services.

You can check your credit report, contact your bank or credit card provider to dispute fraudulent transactions, report fraud to the three major credit bureaus all by yourself for free. Most credit card companies offer some form of credit tracking nowadays.

Or, you can just use Credit Karma for free weekly updates. And, legal protections are in place to prevent consumers from being held liable for fraudulent purchases made on their debit or credit cards (usually as long as you report the charges within 60 days, you’ll be responsible for $0-$50 max).

Extended Warranties

According to Consumer Reports, most extended warranties are wastes of money. You already likely have access to the manufacturer’s limited-time warranty, and any damage that occurs outside the original timeframe for that warranty is best repaired on your own dime.

In other words, you’re better off setting money aside for an emergency repairs/replacement fund than purchasing an extended warranty because 1) You might never use the extended warranty, and 2) The damage your item sustained might not even be covered by the extended warranty!

“Pink” Products

Did you know that the exact same personal care items – such as razors, shaving gel, lotion, face wash, etc. – cost more when they’re branded as “for women”? According to a 2015 consumer affairs study, personal care products for women cost 13% more on average, which means you could be paying more for pink razors marketed at women than blue razors of the same quality and designed that are marketed at men.

As an alternative to disposable razors – which create significant environmental waste each year – you could get more durable, affordable razors through Dollar Shave Club instead.

Organic Produce

A study of 100 food items conducted by Consumer Reports found that organic foods cost 47% more on average. While organic meat has the advantage of being “hormone free,” organic produce is arguably not worth the extra money because you’re still getting produce that’s exposed to pesticides, except those pesticides are “organic” instead of “synthetic” (it’s all questionably bad or non-issues). Why spend $3 for an organic avocado when you could get 3 conventionally grown avocados for the same price?

If you still yearn for organic produce, at least try to get it from your local farmer’s market instead of through a major grocery chain that will charge a premium for the “organic” label even if organic means nothing if it’s not “certified organic” by the USDA.

If you thought you were out of ideas for trimming areas of your budget, then consider these six everyday items you might be overspending and wasting money on. Both your wallet and the environment could benefit from making the switch from disposable items to more durable items, and striking non-necessary financial products and services from your expense sheet can save you quite a bit of money within just a few months.

What about you? What do you think is a waste of money? Let me know in the comment section below.

About Hank Coleman

Hank Coleman is the founder of Money Q&A, an Iraq combat veteran, a Dr. Pepper addict, and a self-proclaimed investing junkie. He has written extensively for many nationally known financial websites and publications about investing, retirement planning, and even how to find the best return on investment. Hank holds a Master’s Degree in Finance and a graduate certificate in personal financial planning. Email him directly at Hank[at]MoneyQandA.com.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

Maybe I’m just a wuss but any time I buy the non-organic raspberries my knees swell up. They must put poison on them, or that’s what I tell myself. I’m ashamed to admit I bought a new car extended warranty last time I bought a car. It’s been nice knowing I’m covered for fixes for a while, but also hasn’t been fun being made fun of by all my blogging friends!

Elsie, I’ve been frustrated with what seems like the neverending trips to the mechanic too. I promise to stop making fun of you about your extended warranty. But, I think when a new car is out of its regular warranty…that’s when I start thinking hard about getting a new car. I don’t want an extended warranty, but I also don’t want the hassle of the repair shop knowing me on a first name basis like Norm from Cheers!